Princeton Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2024-2025
As your child prepares their Princeton University application, the supplemental essays offer a wonderful chance to showcase who they are beyond grades and test scores. These prompts encourage students to share meaningful experiences and aspirations, and highlight the values they’ll bring to Princeton’s campus. With a focus on academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility, Princeton seeks students who will thrive within its collaborative, service-oriented community. Starting early on these essays allows your child the space to reflect deeply and express themselves with authenticity.
These essays are Princeton’s way of getting to know each applicant as a whole person. They provide an opportunity for your child to connect their unique background and goals with Princeton’s values of integrity, engagement, and a love of learning. Supporting them through this process—by encouraging open dialogue and early brainstorming—can help them craft responses that bring their true selves forward and resonate with Princeton’s mission to nurture thoughtful, engaged citizens.
For A.B. Degree Applicants or Those Who Are Undecided
Prompt: As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (250 words or fewer)
Guidance: Encourage your child to think deeply about their academic passions and how Princeton’s resources align with their interests. For instance:
If they’re passionate about environmental studies, they could mention Princeton’s High Meadows Environmental Institute and specific research opportunities or courses, like Environmental Policy.
A student interested in psychology might discuss the Princeton Neuroscience Institute and the chance to explore both theoretical and hands-on research in human behavior.
By demonstrating both curiosity and an understanding of how Princeton’s programs support their growth, your child can show how they’ll thrive within the university’s rigorous, interdisciplinary environment.
For B.S.E. Degree Applicants
Prompt: Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. (250 words or fewer)
Guidance: Suggest that your child reflect on specific experiences that have sparked their passion for engineering, then connect them to Princeton’s engineering opportunities. For example:
If they enjoyed designing a robotics project, they might mention Princeton’s Keller Center for Innovation in Engineering Education and how its programs would allow them to work on technology-driven solutions.
They could reference specific faculty research in areas such as sustainable energy or bioengineering, showing how Princeton’s focus on societal impact resonates with their career goals.
Connecting their goals with Princeton’s resources highlights your child’s commitment to innovation and service, values integral to Princeton’s engineering program.
Your Voice
1st Prompt: Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff, and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall, or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you? (500 words or fewer)
Guidance: This prompt invites your child to share meaningful life experiences and the insights they’ll bring to Princeton’s collaborative community. For example:
If they grew up in a multicultural environment, they might discuss how exposure to different cultures taught them empathy and the importance of inclusivity, which they look forward to sharing in Princeton’s diverse community.
If they have faced and overcome adversity, they could discuss resilience and gratitude as core values, explaining how these qualities influence their interactions and contributions.
Encourage them to consider how their background will enrich classroom discussions and campus life, aligning with Princeton’s value of fostering diverse perspectives and respectful engagement.
2nd Prompt: Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals? (250 words or fewer)
Guidance: Help your child reflect on how their commitment to service connects with Princeton’s emphasis on civic responsibility. Specific examples might include:
If they volunteer at a local food bank, they could discuss how this work has deepened their awareness of food insecurity and strengthened their desire to make a difference, which aligns with Princeton’s motto of “In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity.”
If they initiated a recycling campaign in their school, they might discuss how this project taught them about environmental sustainability and their goal to continue such work at Princeton.
This response should highlight their dedication to community involvement and service, which reflects Princeton’s mission to foster engaged, responsible citizens.
More About You
Please respond to each question in 50 words or fewer. There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!
What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
What brings you joy?
What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?
Guidance: These questions offer your child the opportunity to convey personality, curiosity, and a positive outlook in a concise, memorable way.
New Skill: Suggest they choose a skill that reflects ambition and eagerness to grow, such as learning a new language to enhance global understanding or developing leadership skills.
What Brings You Joy: Encourage your child to reflect on what truly lights them up, whether it’s exploring nature, engaging in volunteer work, or connecting with family. A sincere answer conveys authenticity and a joyful approach to life, qualities Princeton values.
Soundtrack of Life: This is a chance for your child to capture their current mindset or life stage with a song that resonates with their personal journey, such as resilience, hope, or new beginnings. This fun prompt allows them to express individuality and a thoughtful approach to self-reflection.
Encouraging sincerity and specificity in these responses will help admissions get to know them as a whole person, consistent with Princeton’s mission to nurture thoughtful, well-rounded individuals. For additional strategies on writing essays that stand out in the Ivy League admissions process, check out our blog Beat Ivy League Odds With an Engaging & Effective College Essay.
At Ivy Link, we understand how important it is for students to present their unique story in a way that resonates with the Ivy League admissions team. Our advisors are here to provide personalized guidance and feedback, helping students bring their true selves forward in each essay. Schedule a complimentary consultation below to discuss how Ivy Link can support your child in crafting a memorable and meaningful application.
